Scout wants to build dog park at Freer Field for Eagle project

Wednesday

Sep 25, 2013 at 5:00 AM

By Dan KubackiT-G Staff Writer

Another Eagle Scout project may be in Freer Field's future, one that could increase the number of canine visitors.

Josh Fogleman, of Ashland's Troop 586, presented his idea to build an enclosed dog park at Freer Field to Ashland County commissioners Tuesday. The Ashland High School sophomore's plan is in its early stages, but Fogleman said the park would be beneficial to area dogs and their owners.

"I think this park would only enhance the use of Freer Field," Fogleman said. "It would be a place for dogs to interact with other dogs, as well as other people."

Fogleman proposed to enclose 1 acre to 11⁄2 acres with a 4-foot-tall fence, adding that the area could be square, rectangular or oblong. He considered two potential spots for the park's location, including one design that placed the park on the southeast corner near Ohio 60, or a second design that has the park adjacent to the gravel parking lot near Park Street.

Commissioner Barb Queer suggested Fogleman pursue the second option.

"If any dogs get loose, I'd rather see them go across Park Street than across (Ohio) 60," Queer said.

Fogleman said he's visited and surveyed other dog parks in Wooster, Akron and Loudonville. He said the park would need a dispenser for dog waste bags and trash cans, as well as a water tap so owners would not have to bring water with them.

"It's about leaving the park better than you found it," Fogleman said. "It comes from the Boy Scouts' 'leave no trace.' "

Keeping the park clean was one of Fogleman's rules he presented, which also included limiting three dogs to a person inside the park, no dogs younger than 4 months old, and no children younger than 7 years old.

Commissioners voiced their support of Fogleman's plan, but suggested he further consult with Ashland County Park District and solidify fundraising for the project.

"There a lot of people who walk their dogs in that field," Commissioner Kim Edwards said. "This park may help to concentrate them, and it might help the other parks in the city."